November 19, 2007
irtfa’a
Irtfa’a [Eert-FA-ah with a little lift in the middle]: from the arabic, means soaring
shown here is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Laci, colorway Thraven (from the raven clan group), available now at Blue Moon Fiber Arts
to purchase pattern or view pattern information, please check out the listing in our pattern shop
my sincerest thanks to tina for creating the inspiring, beautifully deep Raven Clan colors, and for asking me to design something with them; it has been a privilege to work together, and i hope we will again.
nan once again not only agreed to test knit, but fairly leaped at the opportunity, and once again has proven to be invaluable. and of course we can’t do any shawl pattern of consequence without vanessa, whose speed and experience (and enthusiasm!) make all the paper become real. vicki (also blogless) joined us from australia which was so cool because she knit whilst we slept and found all the stuff everyone else missed; you can’t really get much more coverage than that.
kate was instrumental in guiding me to just the right name for this piece, and i am grateful for her bottomless love of the arabic language (and her patience).
Filed under: designing, lace/shawls, patterns
111 Comments
November 19th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Utterly beautiful! Irtfa’a, the lacey number around your neck and you. You hit a trifecta! I can hardly wait for the pattern.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
OMG!!! It is gorgeous!!!! I already ordered my pattern. I’m off to buy the yarn…
Wonderful job! You have an incredible talent!!!!
(Can you tell I like it???!!!– or that my ! button is stuck?)
November 19th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Truly incredible! What’s that one around your neck?
November 19th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Truly gorgeous. You couldn’t have asked for a better maple tree nor for a better photographer, either.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Swoon.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
It’s wonderful, Anne! And I especially like how you snuck in another knit, too.
I do have to ask, though – do you get odd looks from the neighbors, what with all the handknit modeling?
November 19th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Exquisite!!!
November 19th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Stunning! You guys obviously had fun with the photo shoot. Off to order my pattern!
November 19th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Lovely. And it does go well with the maple-leaf backdrop.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Wow, wow, wow!! It’s fantastic
.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
OMGoodness!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought that Bee would always have my heart, but I have to say that the black raven has scooped it right out of her hands.
Anne, this truly is your most inspirational piece yet. It is beyond amazing….and to think you were worried.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
OH…before I forget….please do tell about that little gold lovely around your neck…it is so pretty!
November 19th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Perfect.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Gorgeous shawl, beautiful model, and lovely fall leaves. Who could ask for more!
This pattern is definitely one that needs to fly onto my needles soon!
November 19th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
That is simply stunning. You are an incredibly gifted designer.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Absolutely Devine! I agree with the others your pictures and background tree and leaves are also gorgeous! What a talented photogropher and gorgeous model and magnificent shawl! Must place my order now:)
November 19th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Simply remarkable.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Ha!!! It looks WONDERFUL Anne, and so do you!! Your hair looks extra pretty in these pictures, and those gold leaves ARE an amazing backdrop. Very stunning pictures from David!
November 19th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
I like how the wrap envelopes you, if that’s what you wish or sits just so on the shoulders, parting comfortably.
Each design is more breathtaking than the preceding one. Oh, to have one-tenth of your visual designer’s eye.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
I think you have said this elsewhere, but now I can’t find it – did you use only one skein of the Laci?
November 19th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Such beautiful photos by David! The second one looks like you’re about to take flight!
November 19th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Wonderful photo shoot! It’s the perfect shawl in so many ways. That maple tree was the perfect backdrop. Seems like it waited for you. It’ll probably be devoid of leaves in the next day or two. I hope not. Those colors are lovely.
November 19th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
It is just stunning! Beautiful photos too! I can’t wait to start . . . but it probably will have to wait until the Christmas knitting is done!
November 19th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
That is easily one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen knit up! You totally rocked the spirit of that yarn!
November 19th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Christy said it best: “You totally rocked the spirit of that yarn!” Ditto. I really didn’t think you would have another post up, yet, so when I went to your site, I gasped out loud. My husband looked at me like I had a cracker caught in my throat. I told him he wouldn’t understand. Spectacular.
November 19th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Wow. Words fail.
November 19th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Gorgeous.
November 19th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Oh maaaaaaaaaaaaan. It’s even lovelier on. I can’t wait to cast this sucker on.
November 19th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
BRAVO! BRAVO! (whistle, whistle, whistle)
Can you just sense all of us waiting for the pattern?
November 19th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I can’t say anything more than I already have. This goes on my needles as soon as I get the Christmas gifts (and one 60th birthday Faroese shawl) finished. When I can knit for me.
You realize, that’s the highest praise I can give? It’s for ME. No one else.
Anne. It’s beyond gorgeous.
Congratulations on constantly creating above and beyond everything that has come before!
(((hugs)))
November 19th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Oh, Anne. You’ve done it again!
November 19th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
oh, i’m glad you were able to catch the last of the maple leaves for the photo shoot – they go so well with irtfa’a. i must confess…i’ve already bought the pattern…now just the long wait for the yarn to arrive…who cares about all the other wip’s?
November 19th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
It’s really breathtakingly beautiful…and the photography is nice, too.
November 19th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Most beautiful shawl I have ever seen! You are simply amazing! Thanks for the privilege of sharing your work!
November 19th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Oh, beautiful. I think it looks like a little song in a breath would, if it could be seen.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Soaring to the clouds. It is gorgeous. I have to order it. Tail feathers and wings!
Maura
November 19th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
you wearing the shawl reminds me of the sorceress in he-man cartoon series.
you look like you’re about to take flight somehow.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Worth the wait on my part, and a tremendous (and beautiful!) effort on yours! Thank you!
November 19th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
You’re right about the dark shawl with the glowing yellow leaves. Lovely pictures to do your shawl justice.
Very nice and wearable working of the faroese shape.
If only there were time enough…
November 19th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
As usual — just beautiful…. sigh….
November 19th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Jamie says, “Wow, that was fantastic! What a great shawl!” And you know, he’s being straight up with you because a 10 year old doesn’t shmooze.
He’s right, of course. Amazing!
I also keep thinking that Kim would have loved the color of the leaves right now. Sorry you missed them, Sadly Blogless Kim.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
That’s really a knockout. I’d love to know what scarf you are wearing around your neck. It looks beautiful as well.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
It is breath taking. Just simply amazing. I am in awe.
November 19th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Can’t find the words to express how beautiful the shawl photoshoot was. The love of the photographer for his subject and her shawl, along with Mother Nature, make for an exceptional experience for all of us. Looking forward to what comes next.
November 19th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
my favorite shot is the one of you headed down the stairs… ready to launch into… something… flight? off to buy the pattern now. thanks.
November 19th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
ANNE CONGRADS – the pictures are wonderful, the shawl looks so glamorous on you – what a beautiful fall back drop , and how it shows off the raven – of cource I already have downloaded my pattern
the best pat j
November 19th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
splendid! and the photos, so glamorous…
November 19th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
I went straight to the shop. I hope there is a KAL because this looks difficult, but SO worth the effort. It’s just amazing! As are you, Anne.
November 19th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
wooo hooo! It’s so beautiful! Congrats on the finish, and thank you for bring it to all of us!
November 19th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Again in a word: gorgeous! The photos in the colors of Thraven (shawl, tree trunks, boots), white, and the gold of your scarf and the leaves are smashing.
November 19th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Anne, those pictures are simply the most stunning and perfect pictures for this shawl.I especially like the picture of you walking down the stairs, I think looks like you’ll take off in flight rather than step foot on the ground. You really captured wings with this shawl with out it being overstated. Wonderful.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:02 am
Ah, spectacular. And the photos ain’t bad too. Also, beautiful scenery, and how come you still have fall, you lucky son-of-a-gun, while we have taken a nose-dive into winter?
Will be starting up this one pronto (have put it at the top of my Christmas list!).
Your designs just keep on getting better and better. You have such an understanding of what makes a beautiful stitch pattern, and how to make it work with the shape of a piece.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:09 am
i’m in love. absolute and total love. you are a genius! the only problem is that i have gift knitting and that i’m getting yarn hand-dyed just for this project. so i have to wait. patience is a virtue though right?
November 20th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Wow. Simply amazing!
November 20th, 2007 at 12:09 am
May I just say that I adore this pattern…the sweep of the pattern, the edging, and especially, especially the way the shoulders curve up from the center panel, it makes them look exactly like a pair of feathered wings… lovely and gorgeous and definitely on my list of things to knit when I have more time
November 20th, 2007 at 12:34 am
I thought Wing o’ the moth was about the prettiest shawl I’d ever seen, but this one . . . is heavenly! I like the shoulder shaping–it drapes so nicely.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Wow, you did a fabulous job, it is perfect.
This one definitely needs to be mine, just have to finish up all the pesky xmas presents first ;0)
November 20th, 2007 at 1:13 am
Oh Anne, you’ve done it again. It is beautiful and perfect with that yarn. What gorgeous photos (must give some credit to your photographer, too!) and I’m also curious about what you’ve got around your neck—it looks familiar but I can’t place it.
Definitely one for my my “must order” list.
November 20th, 2007 at 2:11 am
Really, you are such an incredible talent. I hope after the holidays to finally sit down with one of your patterns so that I can enjoy your vision in person!
November 20th, 2007 at 2:26 am
It’s so wonderful Anne !!!!!!The shawl, the pictures, you, the leaves, I keep staring at the pictures over and over again.
We are all so proud of you !!!!
November 20th, 2007 at 2:30 am
You have outdone yourself, m’dear. That’s all there is to it. Each new pattern is another breathless moment for us all — the mere mortal knitters. You’re amazing.
November 20th, 2007 at 2:53 am
It is simply stunning! (as we all knew it would be – considering, that you designed it)… will have to go now, must get my hands on a pattern
November 20th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Oh My!!!!! Ain’t she grand?! I can hardly wait to order the pattern and the yarn and start but it’s gonna be a couple of weeks because of all the other things ahead to be finished. What a drag when one wants to start a new pretty but must wait a bit. Oh well, it’ll still be there, I hope.
Ann in Dallas, Texas
November 20th, 2007 at 5:50 am
Absolutely stunning! Well done! And fantastic photos too (well worth the wait
I’m off to order the pattern! And fret over which raven colour to get…
November 20th, 2007 at 5:59 am
Wow- outrageously gorgeous! We are gonna have to invent some new superlatives for your work!!!
I am kinda spinning around in circles trying to decide what to knit next! LOL
November 20th, 2007 at 6:46 am
Wow.
It really, really looks like wings. That is so incredible. Just magnificent.
November 20th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Huu…
Its so lovely,is so incredible.Congr.Anne !!
November 20th, 2007 at 7:58 am
Love the shawl . . . I’ve put it on my Rav queue.
November 20th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Truly amazing. I love how you capture the spirit of the theme you are knitting in each piece…
November 20th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Absolutely beautiful. I am more inspired than ever to really do this one day! (This one, and Bee Fields – that one, too, just bowled me over and opened my eyes to the possibilities of lace.)
November 20th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Once again, thanks for your speedy work. This pattern really, really makes me in awe. Oh my, must order now (pattern and! yarn.) Happy T-day to you and yours.
November 20th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Damn that’s gorgeous! What a nice thing to look at while sipping my coffee at work. Makes me want to go home and knit! I need to purchase.
November 20th, 2007 at 9:33 am
The photo shoot is stunning in all respects; it took my breath away. (sighing quietly in rapture while dreaming of black feathers falling from my needles)
November 20th, 2007 at 9:49 am
P.S. I too would like to know if there will be a kit available? It doesn’t make a huge difference for me, but it helps for non-knitters looking at a wishlist
November 20th, 2007 at 10:16 am
That’s so gorgeous you KNOW it’s gorgeous! Off to buy the pattern…
November 20th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Oh my…breathtaking! AND….you are BEAUTIFUL modeling it!
Another MUST HAVE for my queue!
November 20th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Purchase yarn – check.
Purchase pattern – check.
Download pattern – check.
Mine all mine.
Life is good.
November 20th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Ha HA! It is mine!!
I wonder whether I can get all of my Christmas knitting done before the yarn arrives …
November 20th, 2007 at 11:22 am
OH MY!!! It takes my breath away.
November 20th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Oh my – Anne that is so dramatically beautiful ! And the photos are amazing. Applause applause.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
What an awesome photo shoot. Yes, like everyone else, I need to go and get my pattern too. And I also want to know what the pretty little scarf around your neck is??
November 20th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
gawd. and i thought the blocking shots were good. lordy lordy. i don’t know how you do it, anne, but i am so glad you do.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Absolutely stunning.
One weird request, though…I kind of love the unblocked look of Irtfa’a as well. Can you make some suggestions about how pattern repeats might go to increase unblocked size to match?
November 20th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I’ve just purchased the pattern. What a truly lovely combination of design and yarn! My husband walked into the room while I was looking at the second picture and asked why I was looking at a picture of a bat, but when he got close enough to see what it was, he pronounced it beautiful. I’ll definitely be making this. Thanks for what you do!
November 20th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Lovely, and you are right – that shawl definitely makes you look like the new blonde!
November 20th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I love this shawl!
November 20th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
It’s incredible! Very elegant and beautiful and It really has the feel of the feathers of a bird… I love it
November 20th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Sigh… absolutely to die for! I loved the bee shawl, adored twinings, and have run out of superlatives for irtfa’a! My god, woman, what will you do for an encore?!
November 20th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Thank you for your beautiful design Ann. I have just ordered Thraven from Blue Moon, very exciting.
All good things to you. I love your site.
November 20th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Oh Anne!
That is Exquisite.
Another item to add to my wish list.
Only a few days until PayDay and I can buy a copy for my collection.
November 20th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Anne, you’ve outdone yourself! It’s absolutely gorgeous. The stitch patterns are perfect, it drapes beautifully on you. I am in awe.
November 20th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Fabulous. Words fail me. Really. This gets added to my must knit list.
November 20th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Stunning! I’ll be ordering tonight!
November 20th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Divinely stunningly gorgeous Anne. Your my knitting hero! Now I must seriously start practicing my lace knitting on the weekend.
November 20th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Irtfa’a is fabulous! Everything about it is perfect, and the faroese shape fits this piece extraordinary well! As usual, the pictures are gorgeous, too.
November 20th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
Anne. Dear gods, you’ve done it again. Every time I think you’ve designed the most beautiful thing ever…you outdo yourself. This will SO be my first Faroese.
Also…even though it’s another post…I too want to do horrible things to the Valkyrie. That is so close to the (as yet not actually created) Plum Texan colorway it’s not even funny. Make mine Silk Thread, though.
November 21st, 2007 at 4:41 am
I’ve been reading your blog for a wee while now, Anne, and every day, you share something beautiful. This particular shawl is so gorgeous it *hurts*, in the best possible way!
November 21st, 2007 at 10:33 am
That shawl is so beautiful. Wonderful job!!
November 21st, 2007 at 11:23 am
Lovely but could you identify the smaller scarf you’re wearing please?
November 21st, 2007 at 5:13 pm
If you make it to the 100th comment, here I am saying Brava! Love the way shaping works and the way you’ve really captured the feeling of a wing!
November 21st, 2007 at 11:17 pm
This photoshoot is so deeply gorgeous and inspiring… the spirit of your work shines through and the colors are amazing. Thank you for designing in my lifetime!
November 22nd, 2007 at 6:34 am
When I grow up I want to be just like you!! I am enchanted with your work. The work here leaves me speechless-the lovely scarf around your neck, the shawl and the photography. You are a true talent and a gift to the knitting world.
November 22nd, 2007 at 11:57 am
Well, I see I’m late to the party and there’s not much that hasn’t been said already. But the pictures are gorgeous and the design, well, it’s incredible. You totally rock.
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Oh Anne that’s gorgeous! Once again you’ve come up with a fabulous design. This ones going on my wish list and for once I think I’ll be using the yarn used in the pattern too.
November 24th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Exquisite. Wow.
November 27th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
It’s stunning, Anne. But then, I knew it would be.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:12 am
Wow!!! The Raven range is so right for your exquisite shawl, it’s simply fabulous.
As a beginner to lace though I too am really interested in the little golden lace scarf around you neck, please do tell what it is
Thanks.
December 4th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Wow, as usual, I’m a bit behind. This shawl is absolutely amazing. I have been interested in faroese shawls, but haven’t attempted it yet. I would have no hesitation with your pattern, because I know it will be so well written and understandable. What a gorgeous shawl, just beautiful. That David sure does know how to work the camera!
December 5th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
This beautiful work of art was just brought to our attention today. I am in awe of your patience as well as ability! Frankly, I’d like to make your lovely scarf, too.
Congratulations on a job well done!!!
March 2nd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I have been cruising the Shetland and Faroe shawl pages and drew to a halt when I saw this. I think I have found my challenge. Do you think this would lose some of its sharpness which is part of its beusty, if it were down in KSH Night in a silver?
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Thanks, Anne
I am going to download the pattern now and order the Thraven yarn. The combination is just beautiful. Now, if I can get this made for next Christmas, I will be putting it with a deep deep purple long silk skirt and white silk shirt, if I get them sewn.
Eleanor